Although March is still cold throughout much of Japan and you may even see some snow, it marks the true beginning of spring. Two major holidays, Hinamatsuri and Higan, make it a festive time well worth celebrating—whatever the weather may be.
Virtual Travel with Umami: Shimane
Until we can all travel again, indulge in the deep history and food culture of Japan's beautiful Shimane prefecture virtually.
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Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal, Spring
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: April, It’s All about Cherry Blossoms
Each spring, the Japanese eagerly anticipate hanami. Literally translated as “looking at flowers,” hanami celebrates the delicate pink flowers' fleeting beauty. People of all sects picnic under the blooming trees, enjoying Japanese drinks and food.
Once one of the five annual holidays held in Japan's imperial court, Tango no Sekku happens annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month. In modern times, it is known as Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi.
Are you seeking a refreshing Japanese beverage to enjoy during the spring and summer? Japan has many great options, from traditional sake to sweet plum wine. These five alcoholic Japanese drinks offer a little bit of something for everyone.
Try French Japanese fusion in Montreal and the best sushi outside of Japan in Vancouver with this World Travel Series Spring Edition.
Japanese cuisine is well known for its use of fresh vegetables in season. In the month of March, both spring cabbage and broccoli are widely used in a number of Japanese dishes that are easy to make and pack a ton of flavor and health benefits.
Cooking Japanese food using vegetables that are in season results in fresh, vibrant, delicious dishes. In the month of May, you can use celery and young potatoes in a number of tasty Japanese dishes.
In the month of April, both asparagus and lettuce are in season and fresh, ideal for cooking flavorful and healthy meals. Try these delicious and healthy Japanese dishes using fresh April vegetables.
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Quick & Easy Recipes
This traditional Japanese dish is a popular appetizer. The miso paste matches perfectly with the eggplants, making you want to eat more!
Make a delicious sashimi tuna rice bowl from scratch using an umami-rich marinade to really bring out the flavor with our recipe. This special donburi recipe makes a great lunch or hot weather dinner and will impress friends and family.
Skewered grilled chicken covered in Teriyaki sauce is the perfect dish for everything from afternoon barbecues to formal dinners, and our easy-to-follow chicken tsukune recipe and video has everything you need to make it at home!
Ebi mayo is a popular traditional Japanese appetizer that you may have tried at an authentic izakaya bar. Now you can make them right in the comfort of your home kitchen with our easy-to-follow recipe and video.
Miso, mirin, and sake provide the flavor-rich marinade base for Salmon Saikyo Yaki, an authentic Japanese food recipe that is popular in restaurants all over the world and now can be created in four easy steps right in your home kitchen.
Soy sauce, mirin, and sake mixed in the golden ratio are the key to the secret sauce behind this yummy and authentic Ginger Pork Shogayaki. Learn how to make this quick and easy dish at home with our recipe and video.
Eat healthy with this quick fried rice recipe! Perfect if you want to eat something healthy but are in a rush.
This simple and quick recipe is perfect if you're busy but still want to eat healthy. The salad will also be a nice addition to your lunch box!
Learn how to make spinach with a Japanese twist with Umami Insider's easy video. View detailed recipe and print it here too!
Traditional Japanese eggplant and chicken miso stir fry recipe and video plus tips on authentic Japanese stir-frying techniques that will have you outfrying the Iron Chef right in your own kitchen.
Latest Stories
A lifestyle in Shimane consists of fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, mountains with bountiful seasonal harvests, and the rich history of fermentation culture. Take a look into life here in Shimane and what it has to offer.
Shimane has many food products unique and special to its culture and history. From green tea to roses, there is something for everybody. To dig deeper into the food history of the area, meet the people maintaining Shimane's identity.
Exploring Shimane through its tea and soba is one way you can get an introduction to its history and culture. Learn how they are committed to keeping this food tradition alive and thriving in Shimane.
The vegan boom in recent years shows similar movements in Japan, and vegan sushi is also becoming popular. Learn how to make your vegan sushi easily at home!
No-bake cheesecake, or rare cheesecake, is a popular Japanese dessert menu. Adding silken tofu makes it healthier, and a hint of zesty yuzu syrup would make this dessert a total game changer!
Shiro Dashi is about to change your Japanese cooking game! It's such a versatile ingredient you can easily recreate Japanese flavor at home.
